Mexico's Fernando del Paso wins 2015 Cervantes letters prize

MADRID (AP) — Mexican author Fernando del Paso has won the 2015 Cervantes Prize, the Spanish-speaking world's highest literary honor, Spanish officials announced last month. Education Minister Inigo Mendez de Vigo highlighted del Paso's mix of tradition with modernity and his recreation of episodes that are fundamental to Mexico's history in his novels.

Del Paso's works include his highly popular "News from the Empire" and "Palinuro of Mexico."

"This prize, which is the most important for the Spanish language, is a kind of culmination of the recognitions I have received," del Paso said by phone from his home in Guadalajara, Mexico. "I knew there was a chance, that I had been on various final shortlists," he added. "But it's still a very welcome surprise, and I feel very flattered."

The 125,000-euro ($133,950) prize generally alternates between Spanish and Latin American writers. Last year's winner was Spanish author Juan Goytisolo. The prizes are presented each April 23, the anniversary of the death of Miguel de Cervantes, author of "Don Quixote."